Freeze-Thaw Frequencies and Mechanical Weathering in Canada

Investigates freeze-thaw cycles (a rise to 34 F following a drop to 28 F) as a cause of rock disintegration by comparing their frequencies in northern and southern Canada. Cycles counted at 42 weather stations showed an increase from north to south: nine at Eureka on Ellesmere Island in 1949 as comp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ARCTIC
Main Author: Fraser, J. Keith
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1959
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/66762
Description
Summary:Investigates freeze-thaw cycles (a rise to 34 F following a drop to 28 F) as a cause of rock disintegration by comparing their frequencies in northern and southern Canada. Cycles counted at 42 weather stations showed an increase from north to south: nine at Eureka on Ellesmere Island in 1949 as compared with 74 at Regina, Saskatchewan. Correlation between the freeze-thaw frequencies and diurnal temperature range is indicated; average at Eureka is 12 F at Regina 24 F. The greater evidence of rock disintegration in northern Canada therefore does not result from lower temperatures or freeze-thaw frequency. Other explanations are offered.